WETHERSPOONS is shaking up its menu today – and fans of steaks and grills won’t be happy.
From Wednesday, May 14, the pub giant will be ditching three major dishes – steaks, mixed grills and gammon – in a shock menu overhaul.
But it’s not all bad news, as the chain is also rolling out a brand-new Korean-style chicken range along with three gourmet burgers packed with bold flavours.
The move comes as bosses aim to freshen up the food offering and cut back on items branded “loss-makers” after meat prices shot up.
In an email sent to staff, Wetherspoons chief John Huston confirmed that the meats were being ditched “after much debate”, as part of a planned menu change.
But in their place comes a “mouthwatering” new selection, with Wetherspoons confident customers will lap it up.
Here’s what you can expect from today.
What’s being axed?
From May 14, the following dishes will vanish from menus nationwide:
- All steaks
- Mixed grills
- Gammon
The dishes have long been Wetherspoon staples, but have reportedly become too expensive to keep serving.
What’s new on the menu?
In their place, a gourmet burger trio will land on plates across the UK – and it’s not your average pub grub.
- The Big Smoke – Pulled BBQ beef brisket, American-style cheese and maple-cured bacon.
- Buffalo Burger – Fried buttermilk chicken breast with blue cheese, naga chilli sauce and melted cheese.
- Cheese Meltdown – American cheese layered with gooey Emmental and Cheddar cheese sauce.
Each one will be built around a new 6oz patty, which becomes the new standard burger size going forward.
Other Wetherspoons news
Spoons also launched a £2.99 breakfast deal in February, with customers able to get a breakfast muffin or small breakfast with soft or hot drink.
There are also veggie options available, which is served between 8am and midday.
Meanwhile tea and toast, which comes with two slices and either jam or marmalade, is just £2.49.
It’s not been all good news for Wetherspoons punters in recent months though.
The pub chain exclusively revealed to The Sun in January it had increased the price of a host of drinks and meal deals by up to 30p.
The chain hiked prices on drinks by 15p while meal deals were bumped up by 30p.
The price rises saw the cost of a Guinness at the London and South Western branch in south west London go from £4.66 to £4.81.
Meanwhile, the price of a Strongbow increased from £3.24 to £3.39.
How can I save money at Wetherspoons?
PUB-GOERS love Wetherspoons for its competitive pricing and low-cost meals - but did you know there are more ways to save money?
Senior consumer reporter Olivia Marshall explains how.
Free refills– Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.
Check a map – Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other.
So if you’re planning a pint at a Spoons, it’s worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you’re settling in at the cheapest.
Choose your day – Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights.
For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual.
Pick-up vouchers – Students can often pick up voucher books in
their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.
Get appy – The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table – but you don’t need to be in the pub to use it.
Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.
Check the date – Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry.
It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14.
As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival.